Sire Z Series vs Sterling Stingray Bass Guitar Shootout!

[@martinbeasley1540]

The Sires really are fantastic value as a route into the Stingray sound. Feels like a fairer comparison would have been to restring all the basses as the Sterling suffered from shop-dulled strings. Another point would be to gain level each bass, as the ear often perceives louder as better.

[@genegleckner2732]

So, stop the camera and change all of the strings!!!!

[@middobass6766]

...and maybe use 2 sets of the same condition string on each bass?

[@Thelongesteconoline]

Maybe turn the damn thing up so we can hear it?

[@dynodanbassman]

I actually got my Z7 from y'all over across the pond. I'm in California. I did a few vids on it myself. You guys did great with packaging and inspecting the bass. I had zero problems that some are talking about! Thank you Andertons

I actually got my Z7 last week pacled up well, but the bass is faulty - no sound while in passive mode. I've sent Andertons two e-mails already, any reaction.

[@reanavision7896]

the difference is mainly in the zing, but how can we judge that if only Sires have fresh strings?

[@zachisebi]

We can't.

[@Longy_b]

Stingrays with dead strings are completely different animals. Disappointing to not have fresh strings on all the basses for an accurate comparison.

[@danielisgro6609]

Absolutely agree! I can hear the age of string changing rapidly on my Sting Ray!

[@grahamalexander5800]

@@danielisgro6609 I've had the same set on my EBMM Stingray for 7 months now and it sounds fabulous! Bernard Edwards tone accomplished!

[@rrdream2400]

@@grahamalexander5800 Bernard used flat wounds which have that sound right out of the package.

[@grahamalexander5800]

@@rrdream2400 Still takes a while to get the proper 'dead' sound, but yes, quicker than woundrounds

[@grahamalexander5800]

@@rrdream2400 On his P bass for recording, yes

[@nathanminert3119]

I think the biggest reason for the difference in sound is the pickup wiring. Sterling's pickups are (mostly) wired in series, but the original wiring for Stingray pickups was parallel. The Z series Sire humbuckers are wired in parallel, which will give them a lot more "zing" and less low mids regardless of preamp settings, and even in passive mode.

[@a.j.garrett9639]

So yes the white one does sound better, BUT I just don't understand why you would do a comparison if the strings on the stingray are shot. 🤷 You guys should probably restring, and redo the video so you can compare apples to apples and be fair to the Ernie Ball.

[@rrdream2400]

exactly, it does a disservice to EB and likely not their fault.

[@ThePalestinians8myCat]

Considering the price difference between the ray 34 (£1100) and the sire z7 at £570, the sire is an outrageous bargain.

[@RamaNatan]

the sparkling sky blue sterling finish is gorgeous!!!

[@bobblake7132]

Great video, very informative. Speaking as a guitar player who dabbles with bass that Sire really has it. I much preferred the sound of it and the fact it was the cheapest only adds to the feeling of wanting one. It reminds of a video made by The Captain and Danish Pete about the Prince Of Tone pedal. They also threw in the Tone City King Of Blues pedal. It was so close. I bought one. I’ve been wondering what video I should make my last comment on and then this video came along. At least no one else has to read my meandering nonsense anymore.

[@bigtguitars7312]

Cici’s just entered her funk phase great playing x

[@myeyesarewaiting]

I don't usually hang around for the outro jams but you folks were having damn good fun!

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

the white one was the best sounding, for me, loved the vid guys.

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

thank you all.

[@shakyblues2099]

I have a Sterling Ray 4 and a Marcus Miller Sire. Both lovely. Both a bit different. But ultimately, with any bass, when they're in the mix with a drummer, guitars, keys, etc... they all just sound like basses in a band.

[@michaelcraven5163]

I think I prefer the sound of the 2 Sire basses because they sound clearer, but I'm also a big fan of the Stingray's. I ordered a Sire V3 today as my first bass, and I'm excited to see what the hype is all about.

[@Thanawolf]

As a leftie the Sire is the only option that i have for a stingray-ish bass

[@JeffreyWattsJayhawk]

Sterling by Music Man sells left handed basses.

[@Thanawolf]

@@JeffreyWattsJayhawk Over here in europe, the only ones i can find are the SUBs. I really want a sterling ray 34 but they released it only once way before in nature finish. Other than that it's the custom shop but i don't have that much money to spend on a bass.

[@florenttenryu5011]

Love you both ! Thank you for demoing the Sire ❤

[@scottharvey7047]

I just love the fact that Sire sound great and actually do a proper lefthand range

[@stephencshapiro]

The sires sound more like jazz basses than stingrays. Probably down to the pickups. Apart from the looks they’re quite different.

[@GrahamJohnson]

Agreed. They sound like the Marcus Miller preamp, no matter what.

[@andreaperelli5323]

no lol, they sounds like a real stingray because humbuckers are wired in parallel like a real stingray, sterlings are in series infact they dont sound like an original stingray

[@FastRuffneck]

Only thing I know about bass is what sounds good ... great vid and always love to hear Cici play ❤‍🔥

[@andreaperelli5323]

I've seen a lot of comments, you're wrong guys, Sterling is in series sire in parallel (like a real stingray) that makes the difference in tone between the two, not the strings Plus the sterling 3 bands eq accentuates the lower resonance of the series coils it has

[@bobmorgan6333]

When Sterling by Musicman first came out they were about the same price as the current Sire Z7. Retail price has doubled, much like what happened with the Original Musicman Sub Series back in the early 2000's. I have a Ray 34 and a Sire V7. The Sterling is miles ahead in every department and most importantly is far more dependable as a working instrument. Just buy secondhand if you are concerned about the asking price.

[@mr.patriarch]

That may have been the case, but I bought 2 brand new Ray34s (back to back) over the past year, and both had frozen truzz rods and the first also had a bent neck and dodgy tuners. They're also intentionally nerfing the things by wiring them in series instead of parallel, which is key to proper Stingray sound, and the g string sounded weak compared to the others, even after adjusting height. I can't speak for what old Sterlings used to be like, but these sorts of problems are unacceptable for any instrument, let alone ones that retail for over $1,000 (now with no case/gig bag of proper tools either, btw.) I really wanted to like those basses, and dug the sound once I rewired them, but they ended up just being really cool looking but faulty boat anchors, in my experience. For all those reasons, I'm rolling the dice on a Sire Z3. Hopefully the experience is a good one while still getting me that sound.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

1,200 GBP for an indonesian made solid body bolt on one pickup bass is outrageous you can buy a used Musicman for that pretty much

[@zachisebi]

I agree that Sire has the more attractive price. But MusicMan are premium instruments and the RAY34 is basically the top of the line for Sterling. I don't think 1000€-1200€ (I'm going off the German market here, it seems they are a bit more pricey in the UK) for a brand new instrument is unreasonable if it plays and sounds great. Also you can always opt for a cheaper one from Sterling. I don't think I can get a used MusicMan for 1k here in Germany. Looks more like 2k to me. I did compare a Sire with a Squier before (both 50s P-Basses) and while the Sire was the better instrument, I liked the Squier more because of its Mojo. At the end of the day you just need to try them and get the one you are vibing with.

[@markfarrell580]

Bought a used Ray34 for £400 I’m happy with my purchase. I’d still like to try out the Sire Z series regardless

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

I was thinking the same about the zing, the Sire felt like there was more to the timbre, but that _could_ be down to the older strings on the Sterling.

[@russellzauner]

Sire added a GB series; now you can get a super sexy 5 string fretless acoustic bass in black, and it's ALL black. Kyle Kim scores another victory - none of the "budget" or "affordable" tier companies offer something similar to Godin's basses and very few offer it even on the guitar platform; Sire has done BOTH.

[@MichaelSchmittEleven]

Superb video! The Sires sound more Stingrayish than many MusicMans I've played. The Sires aren't in stock right now in Germany, but I can't wait to get my hands on one.

[@clausm2203]

Love these bass videos and the sire sounds great 😉🙏

[@jammybilly]

Great video. Can't wait for the Music Man v's Sire! At the start, the Sire was definitely a bit muted comapred to the punchy Sterling, but as CiCi said, there may have been better note definition in the Sire. But later she changed the controls to more of a mid setting, and it sounded like the Sterling at the start of the video. So maybe the controls weren't where she thought they were at the start. But the Sire still won. Of course you have to take these video with a pinch of salt because CiCi and Lee may have been able to make them sound the same had they used the controls on the bass and the amp. Which is what you'd do in real life. But the Sire still kicks a**! Love it. And I happen to have bought one (from Anderton's) to start my bass journey, based on CiCi and Lee's demo of them a month or so ago. Thanks guys!

[@paulwilson3154]

My Z3 arrives today... can't wait!

[@poikusa0207]

Man Ray 34s are not nearly that expensive in the states. That exact Ray 34 is $749 or £563 at sweetwater right now. So it’s actually only a $50 difference here with the sire being $699.

[@Okcoki1]

Welcome to the UK 2024 !

[@mandalorthedeaf1237]

I watched a video on ricky 4003 yesterday and was surprised, that you can get them for around 2000$ in the USA. Whereas in Europe you easily pay 3000€ for the same instrument. I guess the import fees and taxes are at fault. here. 🎉

[@zachisebi]

They are a bit cheaper in Germany (StingRay RAY34 Dorado Green for 1069€ or 1183$) but damn if they are that cheap in the states it might be worth looking into importing them. I thought the trade war with the US was over.

[@JeffreyWattsJayhawk]

@@zachisebi My understanding is that it has more to do with the fact that SBMM ships all of the finished basses to California for final QA, so the ones in the UK have been shipped twice. I imagine that Sire probably ships directly to Europe.

[@ElricX]

That blue sparkle is awesome! I'd still get the Sire though. Nicer neck and lower price.

[@robertmansell3667]

For me you can always dial tone,but feel and comfort will just want to make you play more,i brought a Sire P Bass two years ago and my other bass’s have become redundant because it’s so damn comfortable to me,obviously that’s very personal I understand,great reviews as always but nothing beats actually trying them.That play out was awesome 🤟

[@osodelcity]

I’ll take the Sire , thank you!

[@johnandrews6546]

So I just bought a Sterling blue sparkle having also had a z3 which I sent back due to quality control issues. The Sterling is a much better bass, it sounds better and feels much better to me. Not that the z3 was a bad bass if you get a good one without a wrecked control cavity. It cost me more than double for the Sterling but it is totally worth it and I'm very happy to keep this one.

[@glennmattison3180]

Hard comparison to do as there is an internal preamp setting that can be adjusted on these. The difference might be that the preamps are set at slightly different preamp output levels.

[@baroque9983]

Thank you for the comparison. One suggestion is to balance the output between basses before you start recording. The Sires were so low, we could not hear them.

[@adriandarie1122]

I went to andertons to test the bases as I want to buy one. The sire neck bases feel so good they feel like they re built better than stingrays and they sound nice... Overall very good bases. I couldn't find big difference between z3 and z7 they felt kinda the same. I also tested the stingrays l, they feel a bit rough compared to sire but still good. The big difference is the sound, they sound amazing and have so much punch and more harmonics I guess. I much prefer the stingrays mainly for they sound that I m gonna buy one. If you don't look specific for the stingray tone I think sire are much better option.

[@johnandrews6546]

You also have to take into account quality control of Sire's. These latest Z's are having a lot of issues at the moment which will possibly settle down once they aren't rushed out to meet release dates.

[@PolarBimbi]

sound is kinda close but the neck of the sire makes a huge difference.

[@Eric1396]

If you want to cut through a mix, it's all about the mid frequencies. The Sires sounds nice but it's mostly just high highs and low lows. While the Sterlings are more even and open to all frequencies, so we can hear the articulation better. Just by listening to the part of the outro jam at the end, we could hear every note of the Sterling while the Sire was getting burried in the mix. Therefore I prefer the Sterlings for the sound.

[@nicacrush]

Did you listen on a cell phone?

[@DylanWOWilliams]

I figured out why I like Cici. She plays a lot of Chancellor riffs.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I've got the most experience with USA EBMM. The one Sterling I played at a store sounded and felt great. I haven't had a chance to play a Sire yet but would like to get my hands on one.

[@alexpol108]

Thanks for the review! Would be nice to hear a Swamp Ash Z7, which is 100$ more expensive, the one you have is Alder.

[@Scoots1994]

Has Cici played the G&L Tribute/Fullerton basses?

[@DerekFyfield]

The SIRE z3 and z7, has a passive mode. Just pull the bass knob up, for passive mode.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

It all depends on what kind of music you play. I personally like the fatter tone of the Sterling in the first comparison. But when she busted out the slap bass, the tighter sound of the white Sire sounded better.

[@NoobOnATele]

Damn that Sire kicked the sterlings arse in my opinion

[@stugoodman7407]

Fair play to Sire for offering something Stingray like. If I'm honest not a fan of the look if it but they certainly sound OK!

[@TenFalconsMusic]

. *The O.G. Stingray for the win👍*

[@Paulo-ov4yo]

When Cici played, I preferred the sound of the Sire, but should have put a fresh set of strings on the MM

[@1234drums]

Awesome ❤

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

The purpose in Leo Fender and Ernie Ball placing the tuning machine for the G string away from the other three when the Stingray was originally designed 50 years ago, to help alleviate imperfections in the A string, probably was engineered away from the design of this model in the time predating when Sire started building their economy version. However, I have a tough time mentally disassociating that Musicman style headstock from the features in the body. I imagine I’m not the only person who has that problem.

[@jimbobmcgee]

The Sire sounds great for slap, it's got a really punchy bottom end (on my headphones) but the Sterling sounds quite close to that mega-funky Joe Dart sound to me. I like them both!

[@garethhjones]

The biggest difference between a Sire Z3 and the Sterling Ray4 is the nut size. The Sire has a 42mm nut and the Sterling has a 38mm nut. I own a Sterling Ray4 and the neck is very slim like a Jazz Bass. I prefer it to the neck on my USA Stingray. And of course the Z3 has a mid EQ control while the Ray4 has only bass and treble boost and cut (like the original Stingrays).

[@grungebob]

The Sterling Sub sounded the best to my ears.

[@townee23]

the white marcus miller clearly was the best. the blue sparkle music man sounded like it wasn't even plugged in.

[@pCeLobster]

As far as I can tell, the 18v preamp just means it can handle the output of the pickup better. Which was only necessary because EBMM switched to neodymium magnets which apparently have higher output than the traditional alnico. So, it really isn't a selling point at all and just solves a problem that they themselves created. Now other companies are following suit as if this is some great benefit to the player. The original Stingray preamp did not want for more headroom when paired with the original alnico pickup.

[@reanavision7896]

it should be noted that some say that the signature classic stingray sound is also very much linked to the pickups slightly overdriving the pre and thus creating compression. maybe the 18v pre is a big reason why the specials just don't sound like proper stingrays

[@pCeLobster]

@@reanavision7896 That could definitely be the case. What I've found is that the Specials not only don't sound like Stingrays, they don't feel like them either. They feel like you're playing a preamp. The pickup feels weak and lame, and it feels like all the sound is coming from the preamp.

[@stevem-h3562]

I've had a Sterling V for about a year now.... its ok, but putting a John East pre-amp in it in the next few days. Good modding platform. Having said that, had the Sire been available at the time I'd probably have gone for it.

[@HoweYaBen]

The Sire sounded great

[@flaviosan3020]

Strings are a huge part of the sound in a comparison, need the same set on all samples, especially for a stingray where the zing is important

[@Drtydeeds]

Cici!!!

[@scottchrismon4492]

The Sire is the mid scooped prancing pony. The Sterling is the earth pounding cart horse. Love the cart horse...

[@michaelbrohl1625]

I think the Sterling looks better and is definitely lighter. I find most Sires to be heavy. I have directly compared them at Sweetwater in Fort Wayne Indiana USA and I preferred the Sterling. YMMV of course.

[@nedludd3641]

Sire make superb guitars for a pittance. I don't know how they do it. I got the Larry Carlton H7 for thruppence. It's build like a six-string Rolls-Royce. 'nuff sed.

[@Sadioli]

Wow the musicman and the sire sounded best imo!

[@mwaythos]

Loved the outro. Just my kind of thing. Next time get Robert Plant to contrib a quick vocal track 😉

[@pjmuck]

I'm a huge fan of Sire basses (My main gigging bass has been a V7 vintage for 6 years), but I am hearing a lot of QC issues with the Z7.

[@valendis]

If only I didn't hate the look of the Sire! The sterlings sounded passive and the Sire active. I really like the sound of the Sires

[@TheMlvswoll]

Sire is 18v preamp v. 9v on Sterling. That will make a diff in gain.

[@AntonArhipov]

Really nice instruments. If only those basses came with passive mode or active/passive switch. Active mode only is a showstopper

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Sire more Marcus Miller sounding & Stingray more Bernard Edwards/ Paul Denman sounding = love em both. I play a Sterling Stingray SS-4. Nice job with this. oNe LovE from NYC

[@lesliwells5433]

I REALLY LOVE ❤️ THE SIRE ZINGYNESS

[@davidturner7863]

How different are the neck profiles? Love the sound of the stingray's but the necks never did it for me.

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

It _looked_ like Cici was unconsciously digging in when picking the Sterling. It _appeared_ as if less skin was shown to the Sires' strings. (during the Tool riff)

[@majorred5433]

The Sire is much better voiced... no contest.

[@mr.patriarch]

Part of the thing is all the Ray series are now wired in series instead of parallel (the traditional Stingray wiring) whereas the Sire is wired in parallel. Makes a big difference in the sound and partially why the Sire comes out on top, in my opinion.

[@majorred5433]

Yes that would explain it! Thanks

[@mattsitton6826]

I kind of enjoyed the chirp sound on the pops from the blue music man. Could be the old strings?

[@kontemplatemusic2189]

She plays E and A, and he kicks off with D and G. Great comparison.

[@edwinacosta1354]

Is it me or does the sire z3 sound smoother!? Also, the Z3 won the slap round for me!

[@ericplummer4089]

Something about the tone on the sterling seems "right", even though l love the bite of the sire's h/s setup!

[@grooveattitude06]

Faites une comparaison avec les mêmes cordes neuves sur les 2!

[@mgr_1138]

Impressed by the Sire, but it just doesn't click for me aesthetically. The Sterlings just look so much better, especially the Ray34.

[@stevenlewis4376]

You should have put new strings on the basses, all the same brand

[@eric.vice.01]

I picked up a Sterling a few months ago for the first time and was immediately repulsed by the build quality. The knobs felt like they came from Dollar General.

[@michaeljoeallen9412]

Geez, fret buzz. How did fret buzzing become acceptable? It's not just here it's everywhere. My sires are set up and do not buzz. At all. Ever. ??

[@Sadioli]

I heard that too. The Sterling sounded like it had some, tho I notice bass players like it sometimes to an extent

[@nathanminert3119]

Honestly it depends a lot on preference and playing technique. Heavy players get a lot more fret buzz depending on how their bass is set up, lighter players can have way lower action without having fret buzz. But sometimes fret buzz is wanted in more aggressive genres.

[@michaeljoeallen9412]

@nathanminert3119 I guess if your just setting around making noises and not playing professionally then it's ok. I've played the bars and went on the road for a year. Nobody was buzzing frets. I know I'm a dinosaur 🦕 I've never known it to be acceptable on any level and I started in 1972. My Sire basses both set up easily with no fret buzz and action is slack enough to play speed metal. It would be easier to thumb and pop with less tension but I don't and never have listened to that style of music and I've never known anyone the did.

[@ileutur6863]

​@@michaeljoeallen9412 Look up a good rock album, find the isolated bass tracks on youtube. Now tell me what you hear.

[@nathanminert3119]

@@michaeljoeallen9412 personally I prefer zero fret buzz, and my basses are all set up so they don't buzz. But there are plenty of pros that intentionally play with that sound, including Marcus Miller. I prefer to sound more like Sean Hurley or Lee Sklar.

[@DomenicoAzzolina]

It seems to me that the Sterlings have older strings than the Sires.

[@marg0049]

In theory i like the one with the neck pickup, but the stacked dials on Sire's more complex preamps feel unbelievably cheap and loose.

[@davidhull6332]

The Musicman sounds darker (dirty strings can cause that) probably a little punchier. The Sire seems to have more clarity. Both sound great, I think the Sire is a better bargain !

[@luigi.zanini]

Am I wrong or the Sire body is bigger than the Sterling by MM basses? anyway, we have 3 different sounds: Sire humbucker is wired in parallel and sounds with its preamp, Sterling by MM 34 humbucker is wired in parallel but with a very different preamp, the Ray4 has a pickup wired in series with a different preamp than the Ray34 and Sire, so....

[@vincentvandervaart8019]

Princes Leia on the bass

[@YOUTUBEOBWAYJACOBGASTON0800]

NĪS,PLAYING

[@alextinsley9117]

American Stingray vs. highest end Sterling comparo please 🙂

[@Nugmania1]

Always fun watching but Cici, play your demos like you own the biatches. Just an opinion. One this to mention ever Sterling I’ve ever played has a Tru Oil finish on the neck, Very nice……. lol

[@TJ.on.Bassguitar]

I gotta get 1

[@MarcG7424]

The caption is wrong Cici is playing a Ray 4

[@MarkoJuhaniMussalo]

With Cici both had string resonance and so imbalanced frets and music man pickup sounded like the battery died. I have always wondered the why they put the humbucker pickup in the bridge with a bass, it looses the whole point of putting it there. And so I do not get this build at all.

[@joeMW284]

I own a Sterling and can attest the strings that came on it were really, really bad. Like... for some reason I couldn't even properly set the intonation. I almost returned it. Switched to a set of 45-105 ernie balls and all the problems disappeared.

[@knmbsst]

Sorry but the best stingray is an Ibanez ATK 🔥🔥🔥

[@AmiGuitar]

sire sounds more bright to me

[@jkf9167]

I prefer the Stingrays. They sound punchier and they have chunkier mids.

[@OkayyyIGetIt]

Should of used newer strings to compare them.